Browsing by Author "Shayo, Eveline Ronaldy"

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    Determinants of SMEs internationalization: evidence from Tanzania manufacturing sector
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2012) Shayo, Eveline Ronaldy
    Firm internationalization have been researched extensively for decades, however fairly limited attention has been given to internationalization process of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in less developed countries. This study examines the determinants of SMEs internationalization within the manufacturing subsector in Tanzania. The study used survey research methodology to collect data from a sample of 108 SMEs located in Dar es Salaam region. The results indicated that internationalization of SMEs in the manufacturing sector is determined by firm size, international planning experience, investment in research and development, foreign market attractiveness, host country business regulation while political risk was found to be insignificant while the degree of standardization and foreign market demand intensity were found to be insignificant among the SMEs selected for the study. Furthermore, the majority of SMEs in the study were found to use exporting as their entry mode strategy and the gradual approach to internationalization as presented in the Uppsala internationalization stage model also seems to hold true for the majority of the companies studied. Therefore the study recommends for proper policy interventions that will encourage internationalization of SMEs within the manufacturing sector .This includes, investment in research and development (R&D), enhancing human resource development and guiding more investments to stimulate manufactured exports growth. Other recommendations and suggestions for future research are also outlined in the study.